Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2024
Course Code: COMM7381C
Course Title: Develop storylines and treatments
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5412 - Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation)
Course Contact: Andrew Harrison
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4350
Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Cameron Clarke
Email: cameron.clarke@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to develop storylines and treatments. Individuals determine elements of the narrative or storyline being conveyed, develop these elements and finalise the materials for the next stage of production.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAWRT512 Develop storylines and treatments |
Element: |
1. Plan and prepare to write production material |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Define script writing construction, style and formats required for production, clients or audience 1.2 Define and develop ideas and concepts based on analysis of genre, audience and purpose 1.3 Develop elements of narrative, dialogue, and communication techniques that convey information according to production requirements |
Element: |
2. Write storylines and treatments |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify components of script development required by concept proposals 2.2 Develop concepts to synopsis stage or equivalent as required according to production requirements 2.3 Develop treatment and scene breakdown as required according to production requirements 2.4 Evaluate narrative development with required personnel and incorporate feedback as required 2.5 Develop material in format that meets safety and production requirements using industry standard software |
Element: |
3. Finalise storylines and treatments |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Present materials for discussion with production team responsible for story conferences or pitching to clients 3.2 Redraft materials incorporating feedback as required 3.3 Confirm required material ready for next stage of production within agreed timeframes and budget requirements |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as Screen Producers Australia and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.
In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
- demonstrations and practical application
- peer teaching and class presentations
- group discussions
- screenings
- online research
- independent project based work
- teacher directed group activities/projects
Out-of class activities include, but are not limited to:
- reading set texts
- research
- screenings
- production work
- independent project based work
Teaching Schedule
Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources
Week |
Class Content |
Assessment |
1 |
Introductions Overview of course Assignments Story and Plot Generating Ideas
|
|
2 |
Creating and developing engaging characters Character types Character arcs Motivation Backstories
|
|
3 |
Theme Synopsis and Treatment Genre and audience expectation Brainstorming and developing storylines Plotting and structure
The short film
Group writing
|
|
4 |
Assessment 1 Part 1 Due - ideas diary Assessment 2 Part 2 - in class brainstorm Brainstorming and group work to develop story concepts for short film
|
Assessment 1 Part 1 Due
|
|
5
|
Assessment 1 Part 2 Due - written brainstorming notes Writing the short fiction film script Screenwriting / Visual language – show, don’t tell
|
Assessment 1 Part 2 Due |
6 |
Assessment 1 Part 3 Due - 2 x synopsis and 2 x treatments Dealing with exposition The setup and payoff Foreshadowing The Reversal Treatment readings for feedback
|
Assessment 1 Part 3 Due |
7 |
Treatment readings for feedback (cont’d)
|
|
8 |
Screen dialogue A and B stories The scene The sequence Feedback workshop on short fiction film scripts (cont’d) |
|
9 |
Assessment 2 Due – short film script Feedback workshop on short fiction film scripts (cont’d)
|
Assessment 2 Due |
10 |
Assessment 3 Part 1 Due – in-class peer review. Feedback workshop on short fiction film scripts (cont’d)
|
Assessment 3 Part 1 Due |
11 |
Assessment 3 Part 2 Due - revised script Pitching The Lookbook / Pitch Deck Polished script readings and feedback
|
Assessment 3 Part 2 Due |
12 |
Polished script readings and feedback
|
|
13 |
Polished script readings and feedback cont’d
|
|
14 |
Assessment 4 Part 1 Due - finalised script Lookbook, Pitch / Presentation, Self-Evaluation
|
Assessment 4 Part 1 Due |
15 |
Assessment 4 Parts 2 & 3 Due - budget, pitch and group presentation Lookbook, Pitch / Presentation, Self-Evaluation
|
Assessment 4 Parts 2 & 3 Due
|
16 |
Review Assessment 4
|
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
None |
References
You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through Study Support:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.
Assessment Task 1: Concept and Storyline for a short film (Fiction). This three part task is designed for you to demonstrate your ability to originate ideas, express storylines, treatments and characters in preparation for your short film script. Although this is partly a group task, you will be assessed as an individual.
Part 1 - Due Date: week 4
Part 2 - Due Date: week 5
Part 3 - Due Date: week 6
Assessment Task 2: Short Film Script (Fiction). This task will allow students to demonstrate their ability to write a short fiction film script, to understand and implement story and arc, character(s) and character arc(s), genre, structure, and use the correct screenwriting format via the use of appropriate screenwriting software. Due Date: week 9
Assessment Task 3: Peer review and revised Short Film Script (Fiction). This two part task allows students to demonstrate their ability to provide and receive script feedback on scripts/stories for the screen, and evaluate narrative development and incorporate feedback to improve scripts.
Part 1 - Due Date: week 10
Part 2 - Due Date: week 11
Assessment Task 4: This assessment is divided into three (3) parts:
Part 1: Based on feedback received, students will finalise the script for their short film. Students will also prepare a self-evaluation report. Due Date: week 14
Part 2: Based on the final script, students will prepare a preliminary budget for the production of your short film. Due Date: week 15
Part 3: Students will collaborate in their groups to prepare a Lookbook for your short film script and each student will pitch/present their script to the class. Due Date: week 15
Assessment tasks 1, 2, 3 and 4 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16.
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
Other Information
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies:
You can access Student Essentials through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment:
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview